Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateauguay) announced that the state has awarded Restore New York Communities Initiative grants to help Plattsburgh and Malone revitalize their downtowns.

“Restore New York Communities Initiative funding is helping local municipalities revitalize their downtowns, taking vacant buildings and turning them into community assets,” said Assemblyman Jones. “This funding will help Plattsburgh and Malone re-develop their downtowns, making them better places to live and work.”

The Restore New York Communities Initiative grants can be used to pay for deconstruction, demolition, rehabilitation or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned and surplus properties. This funding can be used for various site development needs including water, sewer and parking to promote economic growth and job creation.

The City of Plattsburgh will receive $1 million to demolish seven vacant buildings at 26 Green Street, formerly used by the Plattsburgh Municipal Lighting Department for their storage yard. The remediation of this site is expected to free up this riverfront property for re-development. The Village of Malone will receive $988,000 in support of the rehabilitation of 399-403 East Main Street at the center of Malone's business district. This project is expected to add street-level leasable space.

“By turning blighted buildings into economic assets, we’re working to create good jobs and beautify our communities,” said Assemblyman Jones.